Burke urged to 'push pause button' on Abbot Point dredging

Greenpeace says the Federal Government should "stop the clock" on the approval process for dredging at the Abbot Point coal terminal at Bowen in north Queensland until further scientific research is analysed.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority told a Senate Estimates hearing that yet-to-be released research reveals deep ocean currents are transporting dredge spoil much further than indicated by industry modelling

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has until July 9 to make a decision on the dredging proposal put forward by North Queensland Bulk Ports.

Greenpeace spokeswoman Louise Matthiesson says Mr Burke should hold off on any decisions until the research is released.

"It sounds very alarming the amount of mud stirred up by dredging is much greater than what we thought and the dredge plumes are spreading much further than we thought," she said.

"Now [Mr Burke] can push the pause button and request more information.

"He can basically allow more time for the scientific research to come into the public realm and for us to really understand what the latest science is telling us."